Vik wrestlers grapple with evolving program

In order to cut costs, the Far West League has virtually eliminated dual matches, combining league duals into tournament-style matches that save money by shortening travel and the regular season. As a result, Siuslaw will have only two home events this season.
Siuslaw coach Neil Wartnik says his team is ready for the
challenges of this season.

In his 18 years as head coach of the Siuslaw wrestling team, Neil Wartnik has seen a lot of changes. Lots of ebbs and flows. Lots of triumphs and defeats.

“Some years, we’ve had almost more wrestlers than we knew what to do with. Other years, there have been so few wrestlers that it was painful to travel,” recalled Wartnik. “This year, we’re somewhere in the middle, which is great — but many other programs in our league aren’t so fortunate.”

Last season, some dual meets brought teams from as far away as Coquille and Myrtle Point, with only four wrestlers taking to the mats. As a result, some teams would travel two hours or more for a total of 20 to 30 minutes of wrestling time.